Nathaniel slipped the leather strap through the buckle securing the armor plate around Ralia’s tail. He had to sit on her tail to line up the metal plates so that they linked to the rest of the armor. He groaned when Ralia’s tail pressed up against him, and he had to shift his weight to get comfortable again.
“I need you to relax your tail.” Nathaniel pushed the scaly appendage away.
Ralia chuckled and smirked at him. “It has a mind of its own.” The tip of her tail trailed his lower back.
“Eventually that excuse will run its course.” Nathaniel sighed as he fitted the next plate. “But I need you to take this seriously. If I don’t get these armor plates on right, then the bonus effects won’t stack.”
“I’ve never worn armor on my tail before.” Ralia sighed as she shifted her weight on the stool. “Normally, our armor leaves our lower backs free.” She began purring. “In fact, we often left our loins exposed.” She yelped when Nathaniel tightened the strap too tight.
“Now’s not the time to be flirting.” He gently ran a hand along her exposed scales. “You could get seriously hurt in this fight, and I want to make sure you’re fully protected.” He ran a finger underneath the base of her tail. “That includes this beautiful tail of yours.”
Ralia shuttered with deep breaths. “I… thought you said… no flirting.” She moaned.
“It’s called payback.” Nathaniel slipped on the tail cap and attached the chains that protected the underside of her tail. He stepped away. “How does that feel?”
Ralia waved her tail around. “It’s a bit heavy.” She groaned in effort. “I think losing the chains and cap would be for the best. Otherwise, I’ll tire myself out simply trying to maintain my balance.” Nathaniel nodded and quickly detached the armor pieces. “Much better.” Ralia smiled at how light her tail felt. She admired herself in the mirror.
The armor was dark grey that shone with a teal gleam. The full plate mail fit snugly against the leather under armor. The many runes carved into its surface slightly glowed in the dimly lit staging area. When Ralia placed on her helmet, the enhancements took full effect. She sighed in satisfaction as the power surged through her body.
“I think this armor is stronger than the last set you made.” Ralia smiled as she tenderly caressed the metal.
“I wanted to make it out of mithril.” Nathaniel hugged her from behind. “But that damned king hoarded the resources, so it’s made from pure arcane steel.” He rested his chin against her shoulder. “That being said, all the techniques I learned from making Hope’s cybernetics were used to make this armor as well. I wanted you to be as safe as possible.” He took Ralia’s hand and placed it against her heart. “This is your fight Ralia. So, forget about me, and fight for your own reasons.”
Ralia tightly grasped his hand. “You won’t be mad… if I avenge Mother and my family, right?” She mumbled.
“Go for it,”
“Thank you,” She kissed his callous knuckles. “I… love you so much.”
“No tears.” Nathaniel came around and wiped her face. “I want everyone to see just how beautiful you truly are.”
“As you wish.” Ralia smiled as she pulled out her spear. She touched the extension rune, and it transformed into its full size. A round shield formed on her left arm.
Nathaniel followed her down the tunnels, and they stopped at the barred gate that led into the arena. They stared in shock as they watched a female orc fight off five knights. She towered over the armored clad humans with her muscles shining from sweat. Her leather top and skirt were torn and cut with her left breast threatening to come free from all her flailing. Her left arm was missing from the upper arm.
“Now that’s impressive.” Ralia smiled viciously. “I want to fight her next.”
“Wait… I recognize her.” Nathaniel chuckled. The female orc drove her axe into lodged the axe into a knight’s wooden shield then twisted the weapon, breaking his arm. “That’s the orc from Pomran’s slave market. The one that was there when I bought you.”
The female orc released her hold on the axe and grabbed the knight with the broken arm. With a furious scream, she hoisted him into the air and charged towards another, using him as a shield. She barreled through three of the knights and slammed the fourth to the ground. Without losing any momentum, she summersaulted back to her feet and stomped hard on the back of the top knight’s head. The force knocked both knights’ out as they butted heads. She picked up her axe and bellowed into the air.
“Damn, that’s impressive.” Nathaniel laughed as he watched the female orc tear apart the other knights. She dodged a thrust, but the blade tore off her top and sliced into the skin above her breasts.
“I’m more impressive than she is.” Ralia huffed as her tail wrapped around Nathaniel possessively.
“I’m sorry.” Nathaniel groaned as Ralia’s tail tightened its grip.
The crowd’s booing returned their gaze to the match. The female orc held on knight by the neck while stepping on the other two. At some point, she had lost her skirt, and the only piece of clothing she had left was her loincloth. Pain wracked Nathaniel’s waist as Ralia continued to tighten her hold on him.
The orc sauntered back to the gate and gave them a vicious smile. “Enjoy the show hero,” she said.
Nathaniel winced in pain. “It was definitely impressive, but the last time I saw you, you had two arms.”
The orc looked to the stump that was her left arm. “The Champion did this a while back. Apparently, he lost to a warlord and decided to take his frustrations out on me.” She gave Ralia a steely gaze. “Be careful, durak. He has a nasty temper and will try to taunt you when he’s losing.”
“Thanks for the advice.” The orc nodded and headed inside.
“I need to go speak with Shazelle.” Nathaniel gave Ralia a quick hug, but she glared at him. “It’s not what you think.”
“Fine,”
“Good luck.” Nathaniel ran back inside, and quickly caught up to the orc. She leaned against the stone wall breathing heavily. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine human.” She growled pushing herself off the wall. “I’m catching my breath.”
Nathaniel tried to ignore her exposed flesh. “S-Shouldn’t you put on some clothes?”
“Does my body offend you hero?” She chuckled, stepping closer. “Do you find me ugly… or maybe, you’re aroused?” She pushed him away and continued down the hall. “Also, I enjoy the cool air against my skin. Unlike here, Pa’palla is a land constantly on fire. Doesn’t matter if it’s day or night, it’s always hot.”
Nathaniel’s gaze lingered on her missing arm. “You know, I could fix that for you.” He gasped for breath when the orc slammed him against the wall.
“Don’t you dare pity me!” She bellowed. “I am Keriesha, daughter of Ulberyk Ironfist. My tribe was the first across the land bridge, took over your fort, and laid waste to your armies.” The fire in her eyes slowly dimmed. “I may have lost my family, my clan, and my honor, I still have my pride, even when chained like a dog.”
“I… wasn’t pitying you.” Nathaniel gasped, trying to ignore the pain in his chest. Keriesha released him, and he coughed, trying to regain his breath.
“You are human.” Keriesha scoffed. “My pride is the only thing I have left, and I’m not giving that up for anyone. Besides, why would a human help me?” She started walking away.
“Because I help anyone who needs it.” Nathaniel rose to his feet and chased after her. Keriesha sneered without a word. “It’s true. I don’t care about your race, and you can ask the dragon-heart, fey, and dark elf I’ve taken in if you doubt me.”
“Very well, human.” Keriesha sneered in doubt. “Should the day come when I have no pride left, then I’ll let you have me.”
“Should I put it in writing?” They turned to the woman approaching. She wore a black fur coat over her green dress, and her hair was pulled up into a high bun. Her bright amber eyes took them both in with a shrewd gaze.
“If that’s what you humans do, then do it.” Keriesha said.
Nathaniel sighed under Shazelle’s piercing gaze. “Yes, that way it’s for certain.”
“Excellent.” Shazelle smiled as she pulled out a small purse. “Here’s your twenty-platinum loan, Nathaniel.”
“Thank you, and you know what should happen if Ralia loses?”
“Yes,” Shazelle nodded with a sad smile. “My husband told me about it last night. We’re to take immediate possession of your slaves, and then transport them to Treante. I’m curious though, who in the that small village has the money to pay off such a debt?”
“My partner is there, and the girls will make sure he pays off the debt.” Nathaniel smiled. “Hopefully, I won’t need him to bail me out.”
“I understand.” Shazelle nodded.
Nathaniel returned the gesture and left the staging area. The citizens were wandering around, taking advantage of the break. He was amazed at how much it reminded him of sporting events back home. There were vendors selling food, and there was a stall selling wooden swords. Another vendor sold stuffed dolls of the various races along with ones dressed as knights. There was even a stall selling jewelry that looked to be made from broken pieces of armor.
“Master!” Hope and Bella ran up to him with Gabriella following behind. “Is Ralia ready?” Hope smiled at him.
“She is.” Nathaniel rubbed her head. “Why don’t we get some food and head up to the box?”
“That won’t be necessary.” Gabriella smiled at them. “There’s already food and drinks waiting for us.”
“Then let’s get going.” Nathaniel took Hope’s hand.
Gabriella took his other arm and led him through the coliseum. “You should know, we are sharing a box with the Oracle, Saint, and Archmage. They… insisted on joining when they found out we would be watching the match together.” She huffed in annoyance.
“I see.” Nathaniel said with a slight frown.
“Are you still upset with Lady Ophelia?” Gabriella replied.
“I… just don’t know what to think.”
They moved through the crowd to the stairs and climbed them to the box. The box sat over the stands and looked down upon the arena. A table sat in the corner filled with all manner of food and drinks. The roasted chicken and pig still had steam raising off it along with the pastries sitting next to them. Fruit sat in an ornate bowl next to the meat and pastries, and several pitchers of wine sat next to an array of cups.
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“Come Nathaniel.” Gabriella tugged on his arm and led him to one of the two sofas. The sofa was large enough for three, and Gabriella snuggled on his left side. Nathaniel pulled Hope into his lap, so Bella could sit on his right. “Comfy?” Gabriella smirked at him.
Before he could say anything, Ophelia, Maria, and Shizuka stepped into the box. Ophelia sneered when she saw Gabriella pressed against Nathaniel’s arm. Shizuka sighed and stared at the ground.
“Let’s sit down,” Maria whispered to the two of them and led them to the other sofa.
“How are you feeling Nathaniel?” Gabriella asked while looking at Ophelia. “Are you worried for Ralia?”
“Enough, this isn’t a game.” Nathaniel glared at her.
Gabriella loosened her grip. “Sorry, of course your worried.”
Booing filled the air, and Nathaniel turned to see Ralia step into the arena. Hope pressed herself into his chest while Bella took his right hand. He gave the girls a small smile which they returned. The booing turned to cheering as Duncan stepped into the arena. The sunlight glared off his dark blue armor, and he hoisted his spear high into the air. Nathaniel bellowed in laughter at the sight.
“Master?” Bella looked at him, confused.
Hope squinted her eyes. “His armor looks familiar.”
“It should.” Nathaniel took a deep breath. “I made it.”
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A flurry of emotions ran through Ralia. The crowd booing brought forth feelings of anger and nervousness, but when it turned to cheering, she suddenly felt fear. The last time she fought against the Champion, he had taken her wings, enslaved her family, and killed Ysa’Meera, her beloved mother. She fought the urge to tuck her tail in, and instead slammed her spear into the ground. After chasing the nerves away, she glared up at the Champion and busted into a fit of laughter.
She immediately recognized the dark blue armor that the Champion wore. A smith had refitted the armor to his dimensions, but it did little to hide the fact that it wasn’t made for him. The bulges in the breastplate were clearly meant for a well-endowed woman, and the tapered waist strained under his bulk. The gauntlets looked like they barely fit his hands, and that they were recreated by a smith will less skill than the armors original creator.
“What’s so funny?” The Champion growled.
Ralia calmed down. “You said you didn’t need my master’s creations, and yet he was the one who made that armor.” She took a deep breath. “Truthfully, he made that armor for me.”
“Nathaniel didn’t make this!” The Champion shouted. “This armor was given to me by the Duke of Rumand. It was made by the best smith he had!”
“I didn’t realize you had such large breasts.” Ralia fought against another bout of laughter.
The Champion’s face turned red, and he looked down at the breast plate. His eyes widened in horror when he noticed the similarities between their armor.
“What the hell!” The Champion slammed his spear into the ground. “You’re telling me someone let me come out here in armor made for a woman. I was told this armor was one of a kind.”
“It is.” Ralia’s mirth turned to anger. “And to see it in your possession pisses me off.”
“Let’s just get this over with.” The Champion looked at the box where the King sat.
“Hear ye!” the crier called out. “In this duel, the honorable Champion Hero shall fight against the slave of the Inventor Hero. The fight shall end when one either yields or dies.” Ralia tightened her grip on her spear. “Fight!”
Ralia charged forward and thrusted her spear towards the Champion. The Champion dodged with his shout drowned out by the ringing caused by her spear running along his armor. Her left arm flew up, blocking the attack on her flank, and she knocked the Champion across the field when she whipped him with her tail. She wasn’t going to give him a moment to breathe.
“[Armor Piercer]” Energy coalesced around the Champion’s spear, and it shot towards her. Ralia dodged, using her shield to deflect the attack, and it whistled past her ear. I know what you’re thinking. The Champion held out his right arm, and she dropped to the ground. The Champion’s spear flew above her head.
Ralia pushed back to her feet and charged the Champion. “[Wyvern Strike]” Her spear shot forward in a series of rapid strikes. The first one struck the Champion’s shield with a sharp thud while the second struck his right shoulder causing an opening for the third to strike his stomach. Unfortunately, it didn’t break through the armor.
The Champion twisted around. “[Rapid Strike x10]” Ralia barely got her shield up as the Champion rained strikes against her. Many of the strikes glided off the metal armor, but a few did cut into the leather armor underneath. Thankfully, the cuts were shallow.
[Damaged received. Health 465/475]
“Afraid I’ll scar that pretty face of yours!" The Champion laughed as he continued to strike. “Don’t worry, I’m sure Light won’t throw you away over a few marks.”
Ralia ground her teeth. “[Deflect Strike]” She parried his attack with her shield, leaving a wide opening. “[Dragon Lance: Hyperion]” Golden energy surrounded her spear, and the force of her strike kicked up dust. The attack struck the Champion’s chest, and it shot him across the field. “You’ve left enough scars.” Ralia glared at him. “I’m here to give them back.”
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Nathaniel sighed in relief. He was worried when Duncan rained down a flurry of strikes on Ralia, but she was able to turn it around. Now, she had Duncan on the backfoot.
“You should be proud.” Ophelia called out to him. “Your armor is holding up pretty well against the Champion’s attacks.”
“I’m prouder of Ralia’s bravery than my armor.” Nathaniel replied. “I told her to fight for herself rather than for me.”
“But what about the wager?” Gabriella gasped. “If she loses then you’ll become a slave to the royal family.”
“What!” All the women except for Ophelia shouted.
“Master, how could you agree to that!” Bella grabbed his arm. “Ralia… if she had known then she- “
“Why master?” Hope cried cutting Bella off.
Nathaniel pulled Hope into a hug, trying to calm her down. “I didn’t tell Ralia because she has enough to worry about.” He said apologetically. “She’s already fighting against the man who took her wings and killed her mother. This is her chance to avenge them, and I didn’t want to take that from her.”
“But still,” Shizuka said, “You’re putting your own life at risk.”
“True, and of course his life won’t be the only one, right Lady Ophelia?” Gabriella smirked at Ophelia who looked to the ground.
“H-How did you know?” Ophelia mumbled.
“His majesty told me all about it.” Gabriella scoffed. “He was thrilled when you agreed to marry into the royal family.”
“You’re going to marry the Prince?” Maria stared at her friend in shock.
“Maybe,” Ophelia replied, “I told the king that I would marry into the royal family if Duncan won the battle. I… I did it to protect Nathaniel.”
“And what about his slaves?” Gabriella tapped her chin. “You were going to split them up, and even allow his majesty to sell Hope to the Academy.”
“Ophelia, how could you?” Maria and Shizuka jumped away from her.
“I-I tried to spare them.” Tears started streaming down her face. “He wanted to keep the slaves from himself, but I was able to talk him into giving the dragon-heart and dark elf to you two, but he wouldn’t budge on selling the fey.” She turned to Nathaniel. “I know you care for them deeply, so I did everything I could to protect them, honestly.”
Nathaniel glanced at her. It hurt seeing [Truth] sitting above her head. “I understand Ophelia, but why didn’t you tell me about it?” He held Hope close.
Ophelia tried to respond, but no words came out of her lips. Even though she didn’t say anything, his [Intuition] made everything clear. [Fear] hung over Ophelia’s head in ugly yellow font. Nathaniel turned away from her.
“I-I’m sorry, Nathaniel.” Ophelia cried. “I should have told you. I’m so sorry.”
“I’ll… need some time.” Nathaniel took a deep breath.
“What about Bella, Hope and Ralia?” Shizuka looked at them in worry. “If Ralia loses then they’ll be separated.”
“No, they won’t.” Nathaniel took both of his slaves into his arms. “I’ve seen to it.”
“Master?” Hope and Bella stared at him with concern.
The crowd below gasped in unison, drawing everyone’s attention to the arena. Duncan held his left arm close to his chest and cut ran across his face. Ralia pounced on top of him, beating him with her fists. At some point, her spear had broken, and she tossed it aside. Even from their seats, Nathaniel could tell something had changed.
“I guess Duncan knew about the deal too.” Nathaniel sighed. “Idiot couldn’t keep his mouth shut.”
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[Damage received. Health 500/600]
Duncan gasped for breath through his gritted teeth. How was this filthy monster beating him? He was level forty-two while she was level thirty-nine, and yet, she was stronger and faster than him. It had to be that armor she wore. Nathaniel had to have found a way to cheat because there was no way a monster three levels beneath him could beat him.
Ralia smiled at him. “Shouldn’t you be taking this seriously?” Duncan snapped.
“I am.” Ralia’s smile grew more vicious.
“Is that so.” Duncan returned her smile. “Does Light think so? After all, if you lose, then he’ll end up wearing his own collar.”
“What?” Ralia’s smile turned into a horrified gasp.
“Didn’t he tell you?” Duncan started laughing. “If you lose, then Light becomes a slave to the royal family, and you all will be split up. Maybe I’ll ask his maj- “
His [Battle Sense] screamed at him to dodge, and the edge of Ralia’s spear barely grazed his helmet, yet she was still too close. Pain ran along his face with his warm blood seeping from the long cut Ralia had given him, dislodging his helmet as well. Before he could react, she struck again. The golden blow struck his chest plate and sent him flying, and he landed with a deep thud. His back screamed at him from the hard landing.
[Severe damage received. Health 425/600]
He tried to rise to his feet, but Ralia took a deep breath. Again, his [Battle Sense] alarmed and forced his left arm up so that the shield covered his face. It was just in time as Ralia threw a torrent of flames upon him. The armor’s [Fire Resistance] helped with the heat, but with his helmet gone, the flames still lashed at his face with searing heat. He wouldn’t have to worry about severe burns, but it was ticking his health down one point at a time.
Duncan growled at his predicament. He needed to move, but the shield was the only thing protecting his face. Slowly, he tried crawling backwards while keeping his shield up. He couldn’t see anything, but his [Battle Sense] told him the monster was approaching, and she was moving faster than he was. He positioned his spear, ready to strike. The flames stopped as Ralia struck his shield.
“[Armor Piercer]” Duncan smiled victoriously when his spear shot forward, but it quickly faded away.
Duncan’s spear shrieked as it deflected off Ralia’s shield, and she took advantage of the failed attack to grab and twist his wrist, forcing him to drop the weapon. Ralia’s spear slammed into his shield forcing him into the wall. She continued stabbing with violent screams. Pinned against the wall, Duncan used both his hands to hold his shield steady. Pain shot through his left arm with each strike, then came the horrible cracking noise. For a moment, he feared his shield had broken, but it quickly faded when he noticed Ralia wasn’t attacking. Her spear must have broken. Before he could recover, Ralia tore his shield off his arm with a agonizing snap.
[Critical damage received. Health 375/600]
[Condition applied: Broken Arm (Left)]
Duncan screamed and raised his right arm trying to recall his spear, but Ralia grabbed his good arm and started punching him. He slowly slid down the wall with each strike in the face. Ringing filled his ears from the constant beating, and he couldn’t find the strength to breathe. Thankfully, she stopped, but the pain soon followed.
[Severe damage received. Health 250/600]
“Yield Champion.”
Duncan could barely see her, but that didn’t stop him from spitting blood at her. “Fuck you!” His voice came out muffled.
Ralia sighed and threw him to the ground. The light from the sun seared his eyes. He screamed as Ralia stepped on his right hand, and he stared in terror as she placed the spear tip against the inside of his elbow.
“Yield Champion, or else.”
“They’ll… kill you… then Light.”
“[Dragon Lance]”
[Critical damage received! 50/600]
[Condition applied: Severed arm (Right)]
Duncan howled as the golden spear drove into his flesh. His blood painted the blue spear as Ralia pulled it out of the dirt. Tears seared the cuts on his face as he stared in horror at his severed arm. Ralia kicked his left arm and stepped on his hand.
“Will you survive losing this one?” Ralia glared down at him.
Fear wracked Duncan’s mind. “I yield! I yield!” he cried. “For the love of god stop!”
Ralia huffed as she stepped away. Darkness crept in at the edges of his vision, but thankfully the ringing had died down. The sudden urge to sleep came over him.
“Master! Master!” Duncan barely had the strength to open his eyes, but he smiled at the beauty in front of him.
“Veyl,” Duncan could no longer fight his exhaustion.
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Nathaniel sighed deeply as looked down at the arena. The crier reluctantly called the match for Ralia when Duncan failed to rise, and Ophelia, Maria, and Shizuka ran out of the box. He was surprised that there was no booing. Apparently, the crowd was in too much shock to react, and Ralia was able to leave the arena unmolested.
“Come, let’s go meet up with Ralia.” Nathaniel somberly said.
The women rose along with him and quietly followed. “Do you think Ralia will be all right?” Bella asked, trying to keep her composure. “Won’t there be retaliations for nearly killing the Champion?”
“There might, but they won’t be open attempts.” Gabriella tried reassuring her with a smile. “After all, the Champion was aware that death was a possibility. That said Nathaniel, I suggest you keep her close and keep your [Intuition] on. The nobles won’t take this loss lying down.”
Nathaniel nodded with a sober expression. “So, how much did we win?”
“I’ll have to get back to my room to calculate the winnings.” Gabriella’s smile turned vicious. “But I’d say it’s enough to fund a small kingdom.”
“Good, I have need of it.”
Gabriella gave him a curious gaze but kept her mouth shut. The citizens were still sitting in their seats which left the common areas of the colosseum empty, and they quickly made their way to the fighter’s staging area. Ralia leaned against the wall hugging herself, and when she noticed them, she charged forward.
Tears filled Ralia’s eyes, and she raised her hand ready to slap him, but it hung there shaking violently. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She gasped while crying.
“Because I wanted you to fight for yourself.” Nathaniel took her raised hand. “I didn’t want this fight to be about me.”
“You fool!” Ralia cried as she wrapped her fingers in his hair. “You bought me to fight for you. Why won’t you let me?”
“I guess it’s because I’m a foolish man.” Nathaniel chuckled. “You were beautiful by the way.”
Ralia laughed and wiped away her tears. “So, you know, I’m not letting you get any sleep tonight.” She said with a vicious smile. “And I’m not taking any contraceptives either.”
“I get that you are angry, but let’s not be hasty.” Ralia threw herself against him in a passionate kiss. I guess I’ll let her have this one.